My name is Abbigail Brinkman, and I am a 2019 Autin Highschool Graduate looking to create change in my community. I experienced the downsides of the 90/10 grading system first-hand and how I had to completely change my approach to homework and school to be able to succeed in college. In high school, children should not be strictly graded on their ability to perform on assessments.  The current grading system at Austin High School bases 90% of a student's final grade on their performances on their assessments. Leaving ONLY 10% for practice work. In order to do well on the assessments, it is imperative that students fully understand the concepts that are being presented to them. How is this possible if their practice work is only worth 10% of their final grade? The goal of practice work should be for ALL students to grasp the concepts and to be able to practice for the upcoming assessments. When the school is placing a minuscule percentage value on practice work in the final calculated grade of a student; what does that teach the student? It teaches them that practice work is not worth much and even optional. This lead to the downfall of many of my classmate's academic careers; in high school AND post-secondary education. In college, PRACTICE WORK AND ATTENDANCE MATTER. It is nearly impossible to switch from a 90/10 high-school academic mindset to a points-based collegiate academic mindset. Point-based grading provides a completely different learning environment and it promotes the development of self-responsibility and self-advocacy. It is necessary to teach children that in our society you have to do the practice work along the way to become successful at something. I believe 60% of a student's final grade based on their assessment scores is much more forgiving to the students who struggle with test-taking. This offers students 40% of their final grade to be based on the scores of their practice work. I think that it is important for students to get the opportunity to develop a hardworking and persistent attitude but with the current grading system that is difficult. Practice work should be a tool, it should be reasonable and not overdone. Many students have responsibilities outside of school and students are still children! For them to learn and comprehend the information they can't be burnt out. It is time we prioritize our children's mental health and prepare them for their futures. Lastly, there is no benefit to giving students homework every single day. The information they need to know can be completed with in-class practice work, in-class discussions, and group work. I have not had one of my college professors give homework every day. Students in high school need to be given the time they need to learn the skill of hard work and persistence. I believe that a change from the current 90/10 grading system to the 60/40 grading system could help them significantly. Prioritize the student's success, sign the petition for 60/40 grading system implementation at Austin High School.